Foster Care Assessor

Join to apply for the Foster Care Assessor & Trainer role at MacKillop Family Services.

Carer Recruitment and Development Worker – Grafton (Northern NSW). We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Carer Recruitment and Development Worker to join our NSW Carer Recruitment and Development Team. This vital role is responsible for leading the recruitment, assessment, training, and support of foster carers, ensuring a high standard of care for children and young people in the Permanency Support Program (PSP).

Working within a trauma-informed practice framework, the Carer Recruitment and Development Worker plays a central role in identifying individuals and families who have the capacity and commitment to care for vulnerable children and support their healing, development, and stability. This position is based in Grafton, with regular travel across Northern NSW. A pool vehicle is available for work-related travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Foster Carer Recruitment:
  Proactively promote foster care opportunities within the community through targeted outreach, information sessions, events, and digital platforms.
• Build strong relationships with individuals and community groups to raise awareness of the need for foster carers and the rewards of becoming one.
• Respond to enquiries from prospective carers, guiding them through the initial stages of the application process with sensitivity, professionalism, and clarity.
• Support applicants through the recruitment journey, from first contact through to approval, ensuring a clear and compassionate experience.

Assessment And Training

• Conduct thorough and trauma-informed assessments of potential carers using recognised tools and frameworks (training provided).
• Deliver pre-approval and ongoing training to equip carers with the skills and knowledge required to support children with complex needs.
• Ensure that all training and assessment processes comply with relevant legislation, policies, and standards of care.

Key Selection Criteria

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Have

• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families;
• A tertiary qualification in social work, community services, public relations, marketing or relevant field;
• Demonstrated skills and experience in carer recruitment, assessment, training, development and support; and/or experience in marketing, publicity or public relations;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, engage with people from diverse backgrounds and work in partnership;
• Demonstrated group work skills and the ability to deliver training packages e.g. Shared Lives

For more information, please contact Casey King – Casey.King@MacKillop.org.au

Our Offer

• Generous Salary Packaging up to $18,500 (helps increase your take home pay)
• Ongoing Career Development, Education and Training
• Employee Assistance Program – free and confidential counselling, coaching and emotional support for work and personal challenges
• Click to learn more about becoming a member of the MacKillop Family Services team and the support available to employees: https://www.mackillop.org.au/careers/working-at-mackillop

You Must Have

• Valid and current Driver's Licence
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop)
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. We value every person's ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age. It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately, so please submit your application as soon as possible.